THE DURATION OF QRS COMPLEXES IN ARRHYTHM OGENIC RIGHT-VENTRICULAR DYSPLASIA - A NEW NONINVASIVE DIAGNOSTIC-TOOL

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD) may result in sudden death of young and sometimes athletic individuals, while if properly treated it is associated with a good prognosis. It is probably more wi despread than currently thought. Comparison of the electrocardiograms of 43 ARVD patients with those of 44 normal individuals provided a new criterion enabling identification of the disease. Measurement of a QR S interval longer than 110 ms in sinus rhythm in lead V1 in an individ ual with an apparently normal heart enabled identification of the dise ase with a sensitivity of 55 p. cent and specificity of 100 p. cent if used alone, and a sensitivity of 60 p. cent if used in combination wi th a prolongation of QRS in lead V3 to greater than 110 ms, but with a specificity of 82 p. cent. After elimination of appearances of right bundle branch block, sensitivity was 50 p. cent for V1, This parameter studied in a hospital population should be validated in minor forms b efore leading to compulsory ECGs for individuals in high-risk occupati ons (athletes, public vehicle drivers, etc.).